Feldkirchen Day 4: Hoffenheim secure test match victory against SV Ried

“It's not about the results in test matches. We will try to give almost everyone time on the pitch and the chance to present themselves,” said Stanislawski before the match had begun. The day began with the usual running session and afterwards the players practiced set pieces. After the lunch break, half of the team got on their way to Utzenaich, while the other half remained in Feldkirchen under the supervision of Christof Elser.

No goals in first half

The teams coach went on the approximately 80 kilometre journey at around 4pm. Once they arrived in Utzenaich they had their first real test in during pre-season preparation against SV Ried. After the kick off, Hoffenheim quickly assumed control of the match. Wingbacks Andreas Beck and Edson Braafheid constantly managed to go up the pitch and create dangerous situations via the wings. Ibisivic had the first chance of the game, but his attempt after 10 minutes missed the target closely. Hoffenheim's keeper Tom Starke had the first ball coming his way five minutes later. Florian Mader's freekick was however no problem for Starke.

Shortly afterwards, Ibisevic again had a big chance to take the lead, but was challenged in the box and went to the ground – penalty for Hoffenheim. Sejad Salihovic stepped up to take the penalty, but Ried's keeper Gehbauer made a good save to keep the score at 0-0. An interesting game developed in which the Austrians also looked to play up the pitch. Ivan Carril was next to challenge Tom Starke, but the Hoffenheim keeper made yet another good save in the 22nd minute.

Sali and Vedo score

At half time, Stanislawski made three substitutions. Beck, Jaissle and Sigurdsson remained in the changing rooms as Johnson, Ruck and Firmino replaced them. 1899 again managed to get off to a good start. Johnson made his presence felt, as he charged over the right wing into the box but Gehbauer was wide awake and blocked the attempt in the 47th minute.

Several promising attacks later, the Ried defence was finally overcome. Babel broke loose and charged past two defenders before setting up Sejad Salihovic beautifully on the far post with a precise cross. Salihovic merely had to tap the ball past the line. Ibisevic was also able to add his name to the scoresheet after a good assist by Fabian Johnson.

1899 Hoffenheim: Starke – Beck (46' Johnson), Jaissle (46' Ruck), Vorsah, Braafheid – Obasi (57' Weis), Rudy, Salihovic, Babel, Sigurdsson (46' Firmino) – Ibisevic

SV Ried: Gebauer – Reifelts (73' Zulj), Glasner (46' Karner), Riegler, Schreiner – Royer (60' Hammerer), Mader (73' Ziegl), Carril (60' Casanova), Marti-Misat (46' Basala), Rodrigues (26' Hadzic) – Hinum

Goals: 1:0 Salihovic (79'), Ibisevic (85')
Bookings: Yellow cards for Ibisevic (57'); Schreiner (23')
Attendance: 2050